RIVERDALE, MD – Sarah Gomez-Lane, a 2nd grader from DC metro area, used inspiration from the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation’s Dinosaur Park in Laurel, MD to win this year’s Doodle 4 Google contest. Released today, the interactive logo depicting dinosaurs to highlight her dream of becoming a paleontologist is spreading through social media.

For this year’s contest, Google asked students to respond to the theme “What inspires me…” Sarah Gomez-Lane and her mother, Maria Lane-Gomez, are regular visitors to Dinosaur Park which drives Sarah's passion for dinosaurs and paleontology. The blue dinosaur in the interactive logo is the same type as Astrodon johnstoni, Maryland's State Dinosaur and the "star" of Dinosaur Park.

As part of the award for being the selected Doodle 4 Google design, Sarah got to collaborate with the Doodle team to transform her artwork into an animated, interactive experience. She also received $30,000 toward a college scholarship, and her elementary school will receive $50,000 to spend on technology to help students like Sarah continue to pursue what inspires them. Recently, Sarah celebrated her winning Doodle 4 Google achievement and birthday on July 7th at the Dinosaur Park.

“Sarah …[was already] interested in dinosaurs when we moved to the area from Colorado,” said Maria Lane-Gomez, Sarah’s mom. “The cool thing for Sarah about the Dinosaur Park was that she was actually able to dig for fossils…and, she found one!”

Dinosaur Park in Laurel, MD is part of the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation. A unique site that preserves a rare deposit of fossils from the early Cretaceous period, about 115 million years ago. The fossils found at Dinosaur Park help scientists reconstruct our region’s ancient history.

“Finding the fossil captured Sarah’s imagination shortly before she was inspired to do the Doodle 4 Google.” Paleontology staff at the Dinosaur Park voted for Sarah’s artwork online, when her mom informed them that she was competing to be a finalist. Sarah’s name has been recorded at the Park among others that have also located fossils.

The Department of Parks and Recreation delivers an award-winning park system through progressive, innovative leadership and a commitment to the community and the environment in Prince George’s County. For more on the Department of Parks and Recreation, visit www.pgparks.com and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter,Flickr, YouTube, and Instagram. The M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities in all programs and services.